Objects alignment and distribution layout

ABSTRACT

In embodiments of objects alignment and distribution layout, an object layout interface includes objects displayed for selection and manipulation. A layout algorithm receives a reposition input for a selected object in the object layout interface, and determines a distribution layout and/or an alignment layout of the objects. The layout algorithm positions the selected object equidistant between at least two of the objects or at a distance from a closest one of the objects, the distance being an equivalent distance of a space between the at least two objects. The space between the objects is displayed as positive space that visually indicates the equidistance between the objects. Alternatively or in addition, the layout algorithm positions the selected object in alignment with multiple objects, and an alignment indication, such as an edge line and/or a distance measurement, is displayed for each instance of the selected object being aligned with the multiple objects.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/197,547 filed Jun. 29, 2016 entitled “ObjectsAlignment and Distribution Layout”, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Many device users have electronic and computing devices, such as desktopcomputers, laptop computers, mobile phones, tablet computers, multimediadevices, and other similar devices. These types of computing devices areutilized for many different computing applications, such as for graphicdesign, publication development, and various other types of computingapplications that include a user interface with displayed objects thatcan be moved, repositioned, aligned, and the like. However, manipulatingmultiple objects in a user interface so that they are aligned, centered,and/or distributed evenly, such as for a publication layout or in agraphic design, can be difficult, resulting in a poor user experience.The alignment and proximity of objects are two of the most fundamentalprinciples of visual perception and design, as they are used to conveyrelationships between the objects.

Conventional distribution and alignment snapping in design tools are notcomprehensive, can be unpredictable, inconsistent, and typicallyincrease visual noise in the user interface. A clutter of indicators aredistractions without giving the user more or accurate information aboutthe object layout. It can be difficult for a user to design and layoutobjects precisely when not being able to determine exactly how far apartobjects are when spacing the objects, or whether objects are exactlyaligned. Often the distribution and/or alignment indicators in designtools may be too small to convey useful user information, particularlywhen the objects are large in comparison. Further, distance measurementlabels may cover over parts of the objects, may be ambiguous as to theidentified distance, may be missing or only partially displayed, or theindicators may be clipped outside of the viewable area of the userinterface all-together.

SUMMARY

This Summary introduces features and concepts of objects alignment anddistribution layout, which is further described below in the DetailedDescription and/or shown in the Figures. This Summary should not beconsidered to describe essential features of the claimed subject matter,nor used to determine or limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Objects alignment and distribution layout is described. In embodiments,a computing device displays an object layout interface that includesobjects displayed for user selection and manipulation, such as to selectand reposition or move a displayed object in the object layoutinterface. The computing device implements a layout algorithm as acomputer application that can receive a reposition input, such asinitiated by a user, and the reposition input repositions a selectedobject in the object layout interface. The layout algorithm determines adistribution layout of the objects based on the reposition input of theselected object. The reposition input of the selected object can beinitiated by a user of the computing device and may be received as atouch-selection of the object, as an input device selection of theobject, or as keyboard arrow keys inputs. Further, the reposition inputthat is received as a user selection of the object will generallyreposition the object so that it is approximately aligned and/ordistributed with the other displayed objects in the object layoutinterface.

The layout algorithm can then further move or position the object foraccurate alignment and/or distribution with the other displayed objectssubsequent to the received position input. Based on the determineddistribution layout of the objects, the layout algorithm can positionthe selected object equidistant between at least two of the otherdisplayed objects, or at a distance from a closest one of the objects,where the distance is an equivalent distance of a space between theother two objects. The layout algorithm positioning the selected objectcan include moving the selected object subsequent to the receivedreposition input (e.g., after the user reposition input is received).The layout algorithm may be limited in moving the selected object notmore than a predefined number of pixels subsequent to the receivedreposition input. Further, the number of pixels that a selected objectis allowed to move after a reposition input may be constrained based onthe input method of the reposition input.

The space between the selected object and the other distributed objectscan be displayed as positive space that visually indicates theequidistance between the objects. For example, the space between thedistributed objects can be indicated visually as positive space byfilling-in the space with a solid color, a line pattern, a graphic,and/or with any other visual indication of positive space. Additionally,a distance measurement can be displayed that numerically indicates theequidistance between the selected object and each of the otherdistributed objects that the selected object is next to or distributedbetween. In addition to a selected object being distributed equidistantbetween or with other objects displayed in the object layout interface,the layout algorithm can also determine an alignment layout of theobjects based on the reposition input of the selected object.

The layout algorithm can align the selected object with multiple ones ofthe other displayed objects and position at least one edge of theselected object in alignment along an axis with an edge of each of theother objects. The edges of an object include vertical edges (e.g.,right and left side edges), a vertical center, horizontal edges (e.g.,top and bottom edges), and a horizontal center of the object. Thevertical edges and the horizontal edges of an object are also referredto herein as the border edges of the object. The selected object can beedge-aligned with any of the other objects based on any one or more ofthe edges of the selected object being aligned with any one or more ofthe edges of the other objects. In implementations, the alignment layoutis determined by the layout algorithm subsequent to the distributionlayout, and the selected object can be distributed and then edge-aligned(to include center-aligned) with other objects in the object layoutinterface.

In other aspects of objects alignment and distribution layout, thelayout algorithm can receive a reposition input that repositions aselected object in the object layout interface, and determine analignment layout of the objects based on the reposition input of theselected object. The determined alignment layout can include at leastone edge of the selected object being aligned along an axis with an edgeof each of multiple ones of the other objects, where edges of an objectinclude vertical edges, a vertical center, horizontal edges, and ahorizontal center of the object. As noted above, the reposition inputthat is received as a user selection of the object will generallyreposition the object so that it is approximately aligned and/ordistributed with the other displayed objects in the object layoutinterface.

The layout algorithm can then further move or position the object foraccurate alignment and/or distribution with the other displayed objectssubsequent to the received reposition input. Based on the determinedalignment layout of the objects, the layout algorithm can position theselected object in alignment with the multiple objects based on thedetermined alignment layout of the objects. The layout algorithmpositioning the selected object in alignment with the multiple objectscan include the layout algorithm moving the selected object into thealignment layout with the multiple objects subsequent to the receivedreposition input (e.g., after the user reposition input is received).The layout algorithm may be limited in moving the selected object notmore than a predefined number of pixels subsequent to the receivedreposition input. Further, the number of pixels that a selected objectis allowed to move after a reposition input may be constrained based onthe input method of the reposition input.

An alignment indication for each instance of the selected object beingaligned with the edge of each of the other objects can be displayed. Forexample, the alignment indication for each instance of object alignmentis an edge line extending along the axis of the edge of the selectedobject and the aligned edge of each of the multiple objects. Further,the number of display items on the object layout interface can beminimized by combining overlapping edge lines, such as to minimizeclutter on the display. Additionally, the alignment indication for eachinstance of object alignment can include a distance measurement thatnumerically indicates a distance between the selected object and each ofthe multiple objects along the axis of the aligned edges of therespective objects. Alternatively or in addition, the alignmentindication for each instance of object alignment is a center lineextending through centers of the respective objects. As noted above, thealignment layout can be determined by the layout algorithm subsequent toa distribution layout, and the selected object can be distributed andthen edge-aligned with the other objects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of objects alignment and distribution layout are describedwith reference to the following Figures. The same numbers may be usedthroughout to reference like features and components that are shown inthe Figures:

FIGS. 1-6 illustrate examples of objects alignment and distributionlayout implemented with a mobile computing device in accordance with oneor more embodiments as described herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example system in which embodiments of objectsalignment and distribution layout can be implemented.

FIGS. 8-11 illustrate example methods of objects alignment anddistribution layout in accordance with one or more embodiments of thetechniques described herein.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example system with an example device that canimplement embodiments of objects alignment and distribution layout.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of objects alignment and distribution layout are described,and the techniques enable a user to select, move, and reposition objectsthat are displayed in an object layout interface. The objects can beprecisely aligned and/or distributed automatically in a predictablemanner with relevant information about an alignment or distributiondisplayed in an understandable, concise layout. Many different types ofcomputer applications utilize or implement object layout features orfunctions that provide for moving, repositioning, resizing, rotating,distributing, and aligning objects, such as in drawing applications, forgraphic design, publication layouts, artistic uses, commercial andprivate uses, etc. Any type of computing device can be used to implementa layout algorithm as a module, component, software application, etc. ofa computer application that generates an object layout interface fordisplay with displayed objects.

In embodiments, the object layout interface can include multiple objectsthat are displayed, and a layout algorithm can receive a repositioninput of an object (or group of the objects). A reposition input can bereceived with a touch selection of an object in the object layoutinterface, with an input device (e.g., a mouse or stylus) selection ofthe object, with keyboard arrow key inputs, or with other types ofcomputer inputs to reposition the object in the layout. The layoutalgorithm can then determine a distribution layout and/or an alignmentlayout of the displayed objects based on the reposition input of theselected object, or group of objects.

In the described techniques, the layout algorithm can determine thedistribution layout of the objects (also referred to as distributionsnapping) and then position a selected object equidistant between atleast two of the other displayed objects or at a distance from a closestone of the objects, where the distance is an equivalent distance of aspace between the other two objects. The space between each of thedistributed objects can be displayed as positive space that visuallyindicates the equidistance between the objects, such as by filling-inthe space with a solid color, a line pattern, a graphic, and/or with anyother visual indication of positive space that indicates the spatialrelationships of the distributed objects. Additionally, distancemeasurements can be displayed that numerically indicate the equidistancebetween the distributed objects.

Further, in the described techniques, the layout algorithm can determinethe alignment layout of the objects (also referred to as alignmentsnapping) and position the selected object in alignment with otherdisplayed objects. An alignment indication for each instance of theselected object being aligned with the edge of each of the other objectscan also be displayed. For example, an alignment indication for eachinstance of object alignment can be an edge line extending along theaxis of the edge of the selected object and the aligned edge of each ofthe other objects. Additionally, the alignment indication for eachinstance of object alignment can include a distance measurement thatnumerically indicates a distance between the aligned objects along theaxis of the aligned edges of the respective objects. Alternatively or inaddition, an alignment indication for each instance of object alignmentis a center line between the selected object and the aligned objectsextending through centers of the respective objects. In implementations,the alignment layout can be determined by the layout algorithmsubsequent to the distribution layout, and a selected object can bedistributed and then edge-aligned with the other displayed objects.

While features and concepts of objects alignment and distribution layoutcan be implemented in any number of different devices, systems,networks, environments, and/or configurations, embodiments of objectsalignment and distribution layout are described in the context of thefollowing example devices, systems, and methods.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example 100 of objects alignment and distributionlayout, implemented with a mobile device, such as a tablet device 102shown in this example or a mobile phone, although the techniquesdescribed herein may be implemented with any computing device. Asdetailed in the system description shown in FIG. 5, the tablet device102 can display an object layout interface 104 of a computer applicationthat is implemented by a computing device. For example, many differenttypes of computer applications utilize or implement object layoutfeatures or functions that provide for moving, repositioning, resizing,rotating, distributing, and aligning objects, such as in drawingapplications, for graphic design, publication layouts, artistic uses,commercial and private uses, etc.

In this example 100, the object layout interface 104 displays multipleobjects 106, 108 of various dimensions and in various layouts. Theobjects are displayed for user selection and manipulation, such as toselect and reposition or move a displayed object in the object layoutinterface. Although the examples described herein are illustrated in thefigures as a graphic design object layout that has objects of differentsizes, the described techniques of objects alignment and distributionlayout can be applied to objects of different shapes and sizes, objectsof the same shape and size, as well as to groups of the various objects.A user may initiate a reposition input 110 of an object 108 (or group ofobjects) in the object layout interface 104, such as with a touchselection of the object as shown. Alternatively, a reposition input canbe initiated with an input device (e.g., a mouse or stylus) selection ofthe object, with keyboard arrow key inputs, or with other types ofcomputer inputs to reposition the object 108 in the object layoutinterface. Generally, a reposition input 110 that is received as a userselection of the object 108 will reposition the object so that it isapproximately aligned and/or distributed with the other displayedobjects in the object layout interface.

As described herein, a selected object 108 can be repositioned, such asmoved in the object layout interface 104, and a layout algorithmdetermines a distribution layout and/or an alignment layout of theobjects 106, 108 based on the reposition input 110 of the selectedobject. In embodiments, and as further detailed in the systemdescription shown in FIG. 5, the tablet device 102 implements a layoutalgorithm (e.g., as a module, a component, a software application, etc.)of the computer application that generates the object layout interface104. The layout algorithm is designed to respond to the reposition input110 of the selected object 108, and determine the distribution layoutand/or the alignment layout of the objects. Additionally, and in theevent that the reposition input 110 of the selected object 108 asinitiated by the user does not exactly align and/or distribute theobjects 106, 108, the layout algorithm can then further move or positionthe object 108 for accurate alignment and/or distribution with the otherdisplayed objects 106.

In the described techniques, the layout algorithm can determine adistribution layout of the objects (also referred to as distributionsnapping), and as shown at 112, position the selected object 108equidistant between the other two objects 106. If more than threeobjects are displayed in the object layout interface, then the selectedobject 108 can be similarly positioned equidistant between at least twoof the other displayed objects. Positioning the selected object 108equidistant between the other two displayed objects 106 can include thelayout algorithm moving the selected object subsequent to the receivedreposition input 110 (e.g., after the user reposition input isreceived). The layout algorithm may be limited in moving the selectedobject 108 not more than a predefined number of pixels of the userinterface display subsequent to the received reposition input. Thenumber of pixels that the selected object 108 is allowed to move after areposition input may also be constrained based on the input method. Forexample, after a reposition input with keyboard arrow keys, the selectedobject 108 may not be allowed to move, but rather is maintained at thecurrent position where alignment and/or distribution matches with otherobjects, if any, are determined.

The space between the selected object 108 and the other distributedobjects 106 can be displayed as positive space 114 that visuallyindicates the equidistance between the objects. For example, the spacebetween the distributed objects can be indicated visually as thepositive space 114 by filling-in the space with a solid color, a linepattern, a graphic, and/or with any other visual indication of positivespace. This helps the user visualize the spatial relationships of thedistributed objects. Additionally, distance measurements 116 can bedisplayed that numerically indicate the equidistance between theselected object 108 and each of the other distributed objects 106 thatthe selected object is next to or distributed between. The distancemeasurements 116 are displayed in the object layout interface 104 wherethey will be visible to the user, but not obscure the displayed objectsor distribution indications.

FIGS. 2A and 2B further illustrate examples of distribution layout ofthe objects (also referred to as distribution snapping), implementedwith the tablet device 102 (e.g., a mobile device, computing device) asshown and described with reference to FIG. 1. In an example 200 shown inFIG. 2A, the object layout interface 104 displays multiple objects 202,204, and 206. The various objects are displayed for user selection andmanipulation, such as to select and reposition or move a displayedobject in the object layout interface. A user may initiate a repositioninput 208 of the displayed object 206 (or group of objects) in theobject layout interface 104. As noted above, the reposition input 208can be received with a touch selection of an object, with an inputdevice (e.g., a mouse or stylus) selection of the object, with keyboardarrow key inputs, or with other types of computer inputs, to repositionthe object 206 in the layout. Generally, a reposition input 208 that isreceived as a user selection of the object 206 will reposition theobject so that it is approximately aligned and/or distributed with theother displayed objects in the object layout interface.

In the example 200, the objects 202 are initially displayed on theobject layout interface 104 with a space between the objects. As theobject 206 is repositioned near the displayed object 204, the layoutalgorithm can determine a distribution layout of the objects, andposition the object 206 at a distance from the object 204 that is thesame distance as the space between the adjacent objects 202. In thisimplementation of distribution snapping, the repositioned object 206snaps to the closest object 204 at the same distance of the spacebetween the other two displayed objects 202. The space between theobjects 206 and 204 is equidistant to the space between the two objects202. The space between the objects can be displayed as positive space210 that visually indicates the equidistance between the objects. Forexample, the positive space 210 between the distributed objects can beindicated visually by filling-in the space with a solid color, a linepattern, a graphic, and/or with any other visual indication of positivespace to visually represent the spatial relationships of the distributedobjects. Additionally, distance measurements 212 can be displayed thatnumerically indicate the equidistance of the space between the selectedobject 206 and the displayed object 204, and the space between the twoobjects 202. The distance measurements 212 are displayed in the objectlayout interface 104 where they will be visible to the user, but notobscure the displayed objects or distribution indications.

In another example 214 shown in FIG. 2B, the object layout interface 104displays multiple objects 216, 218, and 220. The objects are displayedfor user selection and manipulation, such as to select and reposition ormove a displayed object in the object layout interface. A user mayinitiate a reposition input 222 of the displayed object 220 in theobject layout interface 104. In the example 214, the objects 216 and 218are initially displayed on the object layout interface 104 with a spacebetween them. As the object 220 is repositioned near the displayedobject 218, the layout algorithm can determine a distribution layout ofthe objects, and position the object 220 at a distance from the object218 that is the same distance as the space between the adjacent objects216 and 218. In this implementation of distribution snapping, therepositioned object 220 snaps to the closest object 218 at the samedistance of the space between the objects 216 and 218. The space betweenthe two objects 218 and 220 is equidistant to the space between the twoobjects 216 and 218. The spaces between the objects can be displayed aspositive space 224 that visually indicates the equidistance between theobjects. As noted above, the positive space 210 between the distributedobjects can be indicated visually by filling-in the space with a solidcolor, a line pattern, a graphic, and/or with any other visualindication of positive space to visually represent the spatialrelationships of the distributed objects. Additionally, distancemeasurements 226 can be displayed that numerically indicate theequidistance of the spaces between the objects.

FIG. 3A illustrates that, in addition to the selected object 108 (asshown in FIG. 1) being distributed equidistant between the otherdisplayed objects 106 in the object layout interface 104, the layoutalgorithm can also determine an alignment layout (e.g., anedge-alignment layout) of the objects 106, 108 based on the repositioninput 110 of the selected object, as described above with reference toFIG. 1. In an example 300, at least one edge 302 of the selected object108 is aligned with a respective edge 304 of another displayed object106, and an alignment indication 306 for each instance of the selectedobject 108 being aligned with one or more of the other objects can bedisplayed. The edges of an object include vertical edges (e.g., rightand left side edges), a vertical center, horizontal edges (e.g., top andbottom edges), and a horizontal center of the object. The vertical edgesand the horizontal edges of an object are also referred to herein as theborder edges of the object. The selected object 108 can be edge-alignedwith any of the other objects 106 based on any one or more of the edgesof the selected object being aligned with any one or more of the edgesof the other objects.

For example, the alignment indication 306 for each instance of objectalignment in the example 300 is an edge line extending along an axis ofthe edge 302 of the selected object 108 and the aligned edge 304 of theobject 106, where the edge line extends along the aligned edges 302, 304of the respective objects. In implementations, all alignment matcheswith the selected object 108 are displayed even if the alignment occursdue to keyboard interaction nudges (e.g., by input of the keyboard arrowkeys), or when a distribution snap has occurred and additional movementon an axis is not allowed. This also includes multiple matches along anaxis of a displayed object, aligning on the top and bottom edges of theobject, or multiple matches along an edge of the displayed object, suchas if the top edge aligns to two or more of the other displayed objects.

In another similar example 308, multiple edges 302, 310 of the selectedobject 108 are aligned with edges 312, 314 of the other displayedobjects 106. Alignment indications 316 (e.g., edge lines) are alsodisplayed for each instance of the selected object 108 beingedge-aligned with the other objects 106. For example, the alignmentindications 316 for each instance of object alignment in the example 308is an edge line extending along the axis of each edge 302, 310 of theselected object 108 and the aligned edges 312, 314 of each of therespective objects 106. Although the alignment indications 306 (inexample 300) and 316 (in example 308) are shown as solid lines of ablack color, the alignment indications (e.g., the edge lines) may berepresented and displayed as solid or dashed lines of various patterns,and in implementations, may be displayed in a different color or colorsother than black.

FIG. 3B illustrates that, in addition to the selected object 106 beingdistributed equidistant between the other distributed objects 106displayed in the object layout interface 104, the layout algorithm canalso determine an alignment layout (e.g., a center-alignment layout) ofthe objects 106, 108 based on the reposition input 110 of the selectedobject, as described above with reference to FIG. 1. In the example 318,the selected object 108 is center-aligned with a center of anotherobject 106, and an alignment indication 320 can be displayed for eachinstance of the selected object 108 being aligned with one or more ofthe other objects. As noted above, a vertical or horizontal center of anobject is considered as an edge of the object for objects alignment anddistribution layout.

For example, the alignment indication 320 for each instance of objectalignment in the example 318 is a center line extending through thehorizontal center of the selected object 108 and the aligned object 106.Although the alignment indication 320 is shown as a dashed line of ablack color, the alignment indication (e.g., the center line) may berepresented and displayed as solid or dashed line of various patterns,and in implementations, may be displayed in a different color or colorsother than black. Additionally, the alignment layout can be determinedsubsequent to the distribution layout, and the selected object 106 canbe distributed and then edge-aligned with the other displayed objects(e.g., as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B). Object positioning conflictsbetween distribution snapping and alignment snapping can be resolved bythe layout algorithm in a consistent manner. For example, when adistribution layout has been determined on an axis, object alignmentmatches that occur at the distribution snapped axis position can bedisplayed. The object axes are considered independently by the layoutalgorithm so that object distribution on one axis does not preventalignment snapping along another axis.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example 400 of objects alignment and distributionlayout, implemented with the tablet device 102 (e.g., a mobile device,computing device) as shown and described with reference to FIG. 1. Inthis example 400, the object layout interface 104 displays multipleobjects 402, 404 and the objects are displayed for user selection andmanipulation, such as to select and reposition or move a displayedobject in the object layout interface. A user may initiate a repositioninput 406 of the object 404 (or group of objects) in the object layoutinterface 104. A reposition input can be received with a touch selectionof an object, with an input device (e.g., a mouse or stylus) selectionof the object, with keyboard arrow key inputs, or with other types ofcomputer inputs, to reposition the object 404 in the layout. Generally,a reposition input 406 that is received as a user selection of theobject 404 will reposition the object so that it is approximatelyaligned and/or distributed with the other displayed objects in theobject layout interface.

As described herein, a selected object 404 can be repositioned (e.g.,moved) in the object layout interface 104, and the layout algorithmdetermines an alignment layout (also referred to as alignment snapping)of the objects 402, 404 based on the reposition input 406 of theselected object. In the described techniques, the alignment layout ofthe objects 402, 404 can be determined, and the selected object 404 canbe positioned in alignment with multiple other displayed objects 302based on the determined alignment layout of the objects. The positioningof the selected object 404 in alignment with the multiple other objects402 can include moving the selected object into alignment with themultiple objects subsequent to the received reposition input 406 (e.g.,after the user reposition input is received).

As noted above, the layout algorithm may be limited in moving theselected object not more than a predefined number of pixels of the userinterface display subsequent to the received reposition input. Thenumber of pixels that the selected object 404 is allowed to move after areposition input may also be constrained based on the input method. Forexample, after a reposition input with keyboard arrow keys, the selectedobject 404 may not be allowed to move, but rather is maintained at thecurrent position. The alignment snapping is comprehensive, and theselected object 404 can align to the closest objects 402 on all sides.Although the alignment layouts are described with reference to aselected object, or group of objects, being aligned with the otherdisplayed objects, a selected object may also be aligned with featuresof the object layout interface 104, such as the center or edges of theobject layout interface itself.

An alignment indication for each instance of the selected object 404being aligned with the multiple other objects 402 can be displayed. Forexample, the alignment indication 410 for each instance of objectalignment can be an edge line extending along the axis of the edge ofthe selected object 404 and the aligned edge of each of the otherobjects. Additionally, the alignment indication for each instance ofobject alignment can include a distance measurement 414 that numericallyindicates a distance between the selected object 404 and an alignedobject 402 along the axis of the aligned edges 412 of the respectiveobjects. Alternatively or in addition, as shown in the alignment layoutat 416, an alignment indication 418 for each instance of objectalignment is a center line between the selected object 404 andcenter-aligned objects 402 extending through centers of the respectiveobjects. As noted above, the alignment layout can be determined by thelayout algorithm subsequent to a distribution layout, and the selectedobject 404 can be distributed and then edge-aligned with the otherdisplayed objects (e.g., as shown in the examples 408 and 416). Thealignment indications are simplified to a single edge line extendingalong the axis of the object edges and not more than one distanceannotation is displayed so as not to clutter the object layout interfaceof obscure the displayed objects.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C further illustrate examples of alignment layout ofthe objects (also referred to as alignment snapping), implemented withthe tablet device 102 (e.g., a mobile device, computing device) as shownand described with reference to FIG. 1. In an example 500 shown in FIG.5A, the object layout interface 104 displays multiple objects 502, 504,and 506 that are horizontally aligned. The various objects are displayedfor user selection and manipulation, such as to select and reposition ormove a displayed object in the object layout interface. A user mayinitiate a reposition input 508 of the displayed object 504 (or group ofobjects) in the object layout interface 104. As noted above, thereposition input 508 can be received with a touch selection of anobject, with an input device (e.g., a mouse or stylus) selection of theobject, with keyboard arrow key inputs, or with other types of computerinputs, to reposition the object 504 in the layout. Generally, areposition input 508 that is received as a user selection of the object504 will reposition the object so that it is approximately alignedand/or distributed with the other displayed objects in the object layoutinterface.

In the example 500, as the object 504 is repositioned near the otherdisplayed objects 502, 506, the layout algorithm can determine analignment layout of the objects, and align the repositioned object 504with the other displayed objects. In implementations of alignmentsnapping, the layout algorithm can snap-align any edge of an object toany edge of another displayed object, vertically and/or horizontally,where the center of any of the objects is also considered as an “edge”for alignment determinations. For example, a top edge 510 of therepositioned object 504 is snap-aligned with a bottom edge 512 of thedisplayed object 506. Additionally, the top edge 510 of the repositionedobject 504 is snap-aligned with the center of the displayed object 502.Generally on the horizontal plane, the top, horizontal center, andbottom edges of the objects can be snap-aligned in an alignment layout.Further, on the vertical plane, the left, vertical center, and rightedges of the objects can be snap-aligned in an alignment layout. One ormore of the vertical and/or horizontal edges of an object (to includethe horizontal and vertical centers of the object) can be snap-alignedto one or more of the vertical and/or horizontal edges of any number ofthe other displayed objects. An alignment indication of a horizontalline 514 is displayed to indicate the edge alignment of the objects 504and 506, and the horizontal line 514 indicates the edge-to-centeralignment of the respective objects 504 and 502.

In another example 516 shown in FIG. 5B, the object layout interface 104displays multiple objects 518, 520, and 522 that are vertically aligned.The various objects are displayed for user selection and manipulation,such as to select and reposition or move a displayed object in theobject layout interface. A user may initiate a reposition input 524 ofthe displayed object 504 (or group of objects) in the object layoutinterface 104. As the selected object 520 is repositioned near the otherdisplayed objects 518, 522, the layout algorithm can determine analignment layout of the objects, and align the repositioned object 520with the other displayed objects. For example, a left edge 526 of therepositioned object 520 is snap-aligned with a right edge 528 of thedisplayed object 518. Additionally, the left edge 526 of therepositioned object 520 is snap-aligned with the center of the displayedobject 522. An alignment indication of a vertical line 530 is displayedto indicate the edge alignment of the objects 518 and 520, and thevertical line 530 indicates the edge-to-center alignment of therespective objects 520 and 522.

In another example 532 shown in FIG. 5C, the object layout interface 104displays multiple objects 534, 536, 538, and 540 that are horizontallyand/or vertically aligned. The various objects are displayed for userselection and manipulation, such as to select and reposition or move adisplayed object in the object layout interface. A user may initiate areposition input 542 of the displayed object 536 in the object layoutinterface 104. As the selected object 536 is repositioned near the otherdisplayed objects 534, 538, and 540, the layout algorithm can determinean alignment layout of the objects, and align the repositioned object536 with the other displayed objects. For example, a top edge 544 (e.g.,a horizontal border edge) of the repositioned object 536 is snap-alignedalong the axis of the top edges of the other displayed objects 534, 538,and an alignment indication of a horizontal line 546 is displayed toindicate the edge alignment of the objects. Additionally, the left edge548 (e.g., a vertical border edge) of the repositioned object 536 issnap-aligned with the vertical center 550 of the displayed object 540,and an alignment indication of a center line 552 is displayed toindicate the edge-to-center alignment of the respective objects 536 and540.

FIG. 6 illustrates another example 600 of objects alignment anddistribution layout, implemented with the tablet device 102 (e.g., amobile device, computing device) as shown and described with referenceto FIG. 1. In this example 600, the object layout interface 104 displaysmultiple objects 602 and the objects are displayed for user selectionand manipulation, such as to select and reposition or move a displayedobject (or group of the objects) in the object layout interface. A usermay initiate a reposition input of an object 602 in the object layoutinterface 104, such as with a touch selection of the object as shown.Alternatively, a reposition input can be initiated with an input device(e.g., a mouse or stylus) selection of the object, with keyboard arrowkey inputs, or with other types of computer inputs, to reposition theobjects in the object layout interface. The layout algorithm candetermine a distribution layout and/or an alignment layout of theobjects 602, such as based on the reposition input of a selected objectfrom a user.

In this example 600 of the described techniques, the layout algorithmcan determine a distribution layout of the objects in the verticalcolumn 604, and position the column objects at equidistant spacing. Thespace between the distributed column objects in the vertical column 604is displayed as positive space 606 that visually indicates theequidistance between the objects. For example, the space between thedistributed column objects can be indicated visually as the positivespace 606 by filling-in the space with a solid color, a line pattern, agraphic, and/or with any other visual indication of positive space tovisually indicate the spatial relationships of the distributed objects.Additionally, distance measurements 608 can be displayed thatnumerically indicate the equidistance between the distributed columnobjects.

In addition to the column objects in the vertical column 604 beingdistributed equidistant from each other as displayed in the objectlayout interface 104, the layout algorithm can also determine analignment layout of the objects, such as an edge-alignment layout and/ora center-alignment layout. For example, a user may initiate a repositioninput 610 of the group of distributed column objects in the verticalcolumn 604, and the layout algorithm determines the alignment layout ofthe displayed objects. As noted above, any edge of an object can bealigned with any edge of another displayed object, vertically and/orhorizontally, where the center of any of the objects is also consideredas an “edge” for alignment determinations. Generally on the horizontalplane, the top, horizontal center, and bottom edges of the objects canbe snap-aligned in an alignment layout. Further, on the vertical plane,the left, vertical center, and right edges of the objects can besnap-aligned in an alignment layout. One or more of the vertical and/orhorizontal edges of an object (to include the horizontal and verticalcenters of the object) can be snap-aligned to one or more of thevertical and/or horizontal edges of any number of the other displayedobjects.

In this example 600, at least one edge 612 (e.g., the top edge asdisplayed) of the middle column object 614 is aligned with respectiveedges 616 of one or more other objects 602 (e.g., the objects in ahorizontal layout), and an alignment indication 618 for each instance ofthe selected middle column object 614 being aligned with the otherobjects can be displayed. For example, the alignment indication 618 isan edge line extending along the axis of the edge 612 of the middlecolumn object 614 and the aligned edges 616 of other displayed objects602. Although the alignment indication 618 is shown as a solid line of ablack color, the alignment indication (e.g., the edge line) may berepresented and displayed as solid or dashed line of various patterns,and in implementations, displayed in a different color or colors otherthan black.

Additionally, each instance of object alignment can include a distancemeasurement 620 that numerically indicates a distance between twoobjects along the aligned edges 612, 616 of the respective objects.Distance measurements are shown between the middle column object 614 andthe closest neighboring objects on all sides. Alternatively or inaddition, alignment indications 622 are displayed as center lines foreach instance of object alignment extending through centers of therespective objects. As noted above, the alignment layout can bedetermined by the layout algorithm subsequent to a distribution layout,and the objects 602 can be distributed and then edge-aligned with theother displayed objects. Although the alignment indications 622 areshown as a dashed line of a black color, the alignment indications(e.g., the center lines) may be represented and displayed as solid ordashed lines of various patterns, and in implementations, displayed in adifferent color or colors other than black.

The multiple displayed objects 602 are also shown again at 624 tofurther illustrate the distance segment lines and the alignment segmentlines that can also be displayed to visually indicate the alignmentsnapping of the objects. For example, the vertical alignment segmentlines include a left edge alignment line 626, a right edge alignmentline 628, and the vertical center line 630 (shown as a solid line ratherthan as a dashed line). The horizontal alignment segment lines include atop edge alignment line 632, a bottom edge alignment line 634, and thehorizontal center line 636 (shown as a solid line rather than as adashed line). Additionally, distance segment lines 638 and 640 aredisplayed to visually indicate the distance between the objects. In thisexample, the distance segment lines 638 and 640 are shown as thicker,gray colored lines to distinguish them from the thinner, black coloredalignment segment lines.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example system 700 in which embodiments of objectsalignment and distribution layout can be implemented. The example system700 includes a computing device 702, such as the tablet device 102 shownin FIGS. 1-6, or any other type of a mobile phone, media playback,computing, communication, gaming, entertainment, portable electronicmedia device, or computer device. The computing device 702 can beimplemented with various components, such as a processor 704 (orprocessing system) and memory 706, and with any number and combinationof differing components as further described with reference to theexample device shown in FIG. 12. Although not shown, the computingdevice 702 can include a power source, such as a battery, to power thevarious device components. Further, the computing device 702 can includedifferent wireless radio systems, such as for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth™, MobileBroadband, LTE, or any other wireless communication system or format.Generally, the computing device 702 implements a communication system708 that includes a radio device, antenna, and chipset that isimplemented for wireless communication with other devices, networks, andservices.

The computing device 702 includes one or more computer applications 710that generate the object layout interface 104, which includes objects712 for display on a display device 714 of the computing device, asreferred to above. The computer applications 710 can include manydifferent types of computer applications that utilize or implementobject layout features or functions, which provide for moving,repositioning, resizing, rotating, distributing, and aligning theobjects, such as in drawing applications, for graphic design,publication layouts, artistic uses, commercial and private uses, etc.

Any of the different types of computer applications can include thelayout algorithm 716 that implements embodiments of objects alignmentand distribution layout, as illustrated and described above withreference to FIGS. 1-6. The layout algorithm 716 can be implemented as asoftware application or module, such as computer-executable softwareinstructions that are executable with the processor 704 (or with aprocessing system) to implement embodiments described herein. The layoutalgorithm 716 can be stored on computer-readable storage memory (e.g.,the device memory 706), such as any suitable memory device or electronicdata storage implemented in the computing device. Although shown as aseparate module or component in memory 706, the layout algorithm 716 maybe integrated as a module or component with any of the computerapplications 710 for objects alignment and distribution layout in theobject layout interface 104.

As described with reference to FIGS. 1-6, the layout algorithm 716 isimplemented to receive a reposition input 718 (e.g., a user input viathe object layout interface) that repositions or moves a selected object712 in the object layout interface 104. The layout algorithm 716determines an alignment layout and/or a distribution layout of theobjects based on the reposition input 718 of the selected object. Areposition input can be received in the object layout interface 104 as atouch selection of the object (or group of objects), with an inputdevice (e.g., a mouse or stylus) selection of the object, with keyboardarrow key inputs, or with other types of computer inputs to repositionan object 712 in the object layout interface.

In embodiments, the layout algorithm 716 can move or position a selectedobject 712 for accurate alignment and/or distribution with the otherdisplayed objects. Based on a determined distribution layout of theobjects, the layout algorithm 716 can position the selected objectequidistant between at least two of the other displayed objects (asshown in FIG. 1), or at a distance from a closest one of the objects,where the distance is an equivalent distance of a space between theother two objects (as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B). The layout algorithmpositioning the selected object can include moving the selected objectsubsequent to a received reposition input (e.g., after the userreposition input is received). The layout algorithm may be limited inmoving the selected object not more than a predefined number of pixelsof the user interface display subsequent to the received repositioninput. Further, the number of pixels that a selected object is allowedto move after a reposition input may be constrained based on the inputmethod of the reposition input. As shown in the figures and describedabove, the space between the distributed objects can be displayed aspositive space that visually indicates the equidistance between theobjects, and a distance measurement can be displayed that numericallyindicates the equidistance between the distributed objects.

In implementations, the layout algorithm 716 determines the distributionlayout, and considers movement of each distributed object along eachaxis independently. The layout algorithm 716 can evaluate each of theobjects 712 for distribution criteria, which includes: the objects thatare identified as a distribution candidate displayed in the objectlayout interface 104; they overlap the selected object on the orthogonalaxis (e.g., overlap in the y-axis when snapping along the x-axis); theybegin and end on the same side of the selected object along thesnap-alignment axis; the distance to be snapped is the distance from anedge of the selected object to the closest candidate object edge (e.g.,when alignment snapping a left edge, the closest candidate right edgematching the above criteria); and the candidate object distances arebetween opposite edges of successive snap candidates on thesnap-alignment axis (e.g., right and left edges when alignment snappingalong the x-axis).

The layout algorithm 716 is also implemented to evaluate successiveobject distribution candidates, which are two objects that are displayedadjacent in the object layout interface 104, but not overlapping on thedistribution snap axis. The selected object is allowed to move a maximumdistance in screen pixels along the snapped axis in order to have thesame distance to its closest neighbor as two distribution objectcandidates have from each other, and the layout algorithm chooses thesmallest such distance, if any. If the layout algorithm determinesmatching object candidates on both sides of the distribution snap axis,the layout algorithm 716 selects the distribution snapping with thesmallest delta from the current position. If the distance of thematching object candidates are equal, then the layout algorithm can keepboth of the object candidates. As described above, any of the displayedobjects may be distributed based on the center, top, left, right, and/orbottom edges (e.g., potentially all at the same time). Further, thelayout algorithm 716 can distribute an object along both sides of thesame axis if the minimal movement delta for both sides would put theobject in the same position.

In addition to the objects 712 being distributed for display in theobject layout interface, the layout algorithm 716 can also determine analignment layout of the objects based on the reposition input 718 of aselected object. The layout algorithm 716 can align a selected objectwith multiple ones of the other displayed objects and position at leastone edge of the selected object in alignment along an axis with an edgeof each of the other displayed objects. The alignment layout can bedetermined by the layout algorithm 716 subsequent to the distributionlayout, and the objects 712 can be distributed and then edge-aligned. Analignment indication for each instance of a selected object beingaligned along an axis with an edge of each of the other objects can alsobe displayed, such as an edge line extending along the axis of the edgeof a selected object and an aligned edge of each of the multipleobjects. Additionally, the alignment indication for each instance ofobject alignment can include a distance measurement that numericallyindicates a distance between the aligned objects along the axis of thealigned edges of the respective objects. Alternatively or in addition,the alignment indication for each instance of object alignment is acenter line extending through centers of the respective objects.

In implementations, the layout algorithm 716 determines the alignmentlayout, and positions a selected object so that an edge or edges of theobject align with other object alignment candidates. The layoutalgorithm 716 can move a selected object to the extent that the edges orcenter of the object will be aligned with other displayed objects alongan axis. For example, a rectangle object may move to the right anadditional two pixels of the display interface to align with the rightedge of an object snap candidate (e.g., another of the displayedobjects). For all of the potential object alignment matches, the layoutalgorithm 716 can select the alignment with minimal deltas from thecurrent position, and each axis is considered independently. As notedabove, the layout algorithm 716 can be implemented to determine thedistribution layout before an alignment layout to equally distribute thedisplayed objects that can be distributed, and then evaluate foralignment object candidates. For a distribution of objects along aparticular axis, one or more of the distributed objects can then bealigned if the objects are not moved on the particular axis.

In implementations, the layout algorithm 716 can initiate the objectlayout interface to display all of the object distribution and alignmentmatches in a concise manner that provides complete visual relationshipsof object positions, without a user having to guess what may have beenomitted. The distance measurements can be displayed for all objectdistribution and alignment matches, even for multiple matches that occuralong the same axis for the alignment or distribution layouts. Further,the distance measurements can be displayed for alignment layouts anddistribution layouts in all four directions at once. If a particularobject is restricted from additional movement along an axis (e.g.,distribution layout has occurred, or during a keyboard arrow key input),the alignment indications can still display whether or not an object isaligned with other alignment object candidates. Further, thedistribution and alignment determinations of the layout algorithm 716are consistent across different forms of interaction, such as forkeyboard arrow key inputs, a computer input device (e.g., a mouse orstylus), and when a user initiates to move, resize, reposition, or drawthe objects.

The alignment indications can be implemented to display in differentcolors and dimensions to highlight the object distribution and alignmentmatches, which is also effective to minimize the visual impact on thedesign, yet clearly highlight the object match referred to by eachalignment indication. Further, the distance measurements can bedisplayed as just one set of distance annotations along any given side,which minimizes the number of displayed distance measurements whilestill displaying the most relevant information. Additionally, annotatingthe space between objects for distribution snapping clearly identifiesthe different forms of distribution and alignment snapping, and displaysthe distance annotations at a display position that won't be clippedfrom view or overlap other items displayed in the object layoutinterface. The alignment snapping distance measurements can alsocollapse to a single line when multiple matched object edges share thesame axis coordinate, and the distance measurement is made to theclosest object.

The example system 700 can also include a cloud-based image service 720,such as Adobe Creative Cloud™ that is accessible by client devices, toinclude the computing device 702 and the tablet device 102. The imageservice 720 includes data storage 722 that may be implemented as anysuitable memory, memory device, or electronic data storage fornetwork-based data storage. The data storage can maintain an instance ofthe layout algorithm 716, as well as on-line applications 724 (e.g., asnetwork-based applications), that are accessible by a computerapplication 710 from the computing device 702.

The cloud-based image service 720 can also be implemented with serverdevices that are representative of one or multiple hardware serverdevices of the image service. Further, the cloud-based image service 720can be implemented with various components, such as a processing systemand memory, as well as with any number and combination of differingcomponents as further described with reference to the example deviceshown in FIG. 12 to implement the services, applications, servers, andother features of objects alignment and distribution layout.

The example system 700 also includes a network 726, and any of thedevices, servers, and/or services described herein can communicate viathe network, such as for data communication between the computing device702 and the cloud-based image service 720. The network can beimplemented to include a wired and/or a wireless network. The networkcan also be implemented using any type of network topology and/orcommunication protocol, and can be represented or otherwise implementedas a combination of two or more networks, to include IP-based networksand/or the Internet. The network may also include mobile operatornetworks that are managed by a mobile network operator and/or othernetwork operators, such as a communication service provider, mobilephone provider, and/or Internet service provider.

Example methods 800, 900, 1000, and 1100 are described with reference torespective FIGS. 8-11 in accordance with one or more embodiments ofobjects alignment and distribution layout. Generally, any of thecomponents, modules, methods, and operations described herein can beimplemented using software, firmware, hardware (e.g., fixed logiccircuitry), manual processing, or any combination thereof. Someoperations of the example methods may be described in the generalcontext of executable instructions stored on computer-readable storagememory that is local and/or remote to a computer processing system, andimplementations can include software applications, programs, functions,and the like. Alternatively or in addition, any of the functionalitydescribed herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or morehardware logic components, such as, and without limitation,Field-programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Application-specific IntegratedCircuits (ASICs), Application-specific Standard Products (ASSPs),System-on-a-chip systems (SoCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices(CPLDs), and the like.

FIG. 8 illustrates example method(s) 800 of objects alignment anddistribution layout, and is generally described with reference to thelayout algorithm implemented by the computing device as shown in theexample system of FIG. 7. The order in which the method is described isnot intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number orcombination of the method operations can be combined in any order toimplement a method, or an alternate method.

At 802, an object layout interface is displayed that includes objectsdisplayed for selection and manipulation. For example, the tablet device102 (shown in FIGS. 1-7) is a computing device that displays the objectlayout interface 104 of a computer application 710 that is implementedby the computing device, and the object layout interface 104 displaysobjects 106, 108 (FIG. 1) for user selection and manipulation, such asto select and reposition or move a displayed object in the object layoutinterface.

At 804, a reposition input is received that repositions a selectedobject in the object layout interface. For example, the layout algorithm716 that is implemented by the tablet device 102 (e.g., as an example ofthe computing device 702) receives the reposition input 110 as a userinput that repositions the selected object 108 in the object layoutinterface. The reposition input 110 can be received as a touch selectionof the object 108 in the object layout interface 104, from an inputdevice (e.g., a mouse or stylus) selection of the object, with keyboardarrow key inputs, or with other types of computer inputs to repositionthe object 108 for display in the layout.

At 806, a distribution layout of the objects is determined based on thereposition input of the selected object. For example, the layoutalgorithm 716 determines the distribution layout of the objects 106, 108in the object layout interface 104 based on the reposition input 110 ofthe selected object 108. Similarly, the layout algorithm 716 determinesthe distribution layout of the objects 204, 206 (FIG. 2A) based on thereposition input 208 of the selected object 206, and determines thedistribution layout of the objects 216, 218, and 220 (FIG. 2B) based onthe reposition input 222 of the selected object 220. Further, the layoutalgorithm 716 can determine the distribution layout of a selected objectgroup based on a group reposition input of the selected object group.

At 808, the selected object is positioned, based on the determineddistribution layout of the objects, equidistant between at least two ofthe objects or at a distance from a closest one of the objects, wherethe distance is an equivalent distance of a space between the at leasttwo objects. For example, given the user reposition input 110 of theselected object 108 (in FIG. 1), the layout algorithm 716 positions theselected object 108 equidistant between the other two objects 106 basedon the determined distribution layout of the objects 106, 108 in theobject layout interface 104. Further, given the user reposition input208 of the selected object 206 (in FIG. 2A), the layout algorithm 716positions the selected object 206 at the distance 212 from the closestone of the objects 204, and the distance 212 is an equivalent distanceof the space between the other two displayed objects 202. Similarly,given the user reposition input 222 of the selected object 220 (in FIG.2B), the layout algorithm 716 positions the selected object 220 at thedistance 226 from the closest one of the objects 218, and the distance226 is an equivalent distance of the space between the two displayedobjects 216 and 218. For a selected object group, the layout algorithm716 can also position the selected object group equidistant between atleast two non-selected objects based on the determined distributionlayout of the selected object group and the non-selected objects, or ata distance from a closest one of the objects.

At 810, the selected object is moved the equidistance between the twoobjects or at the distance from the closest object subsequent to thereceived reposition input, the selected object not moved more than apredefined number of pixels from the resultant position of thereposition input. For example, the layout algorithm 716 can move theselected object 108 subsequent to the received reposition input 110(e.g., after the user reposition input is received), and the layoutalgorithm may be limited in moving the selected object 108 not more thana predefined number of pixels of the user interface display subsequentto the received reposition input. The reposition input 110 that isreceived as a user selection of the object 108 will generally repositionthe object so that it is approximately aligned and/or distributed withthe other displayed objects in the object layout interface. In the eventthat the reposition input 110 of the selected object 108 as initiated bythe user does not exactly align and/or distribute the objects 106, 108,the layout algorithm can then further move or position the object 108for accurate alignment and/or distribution with the other displayedobjects 106.

At 812, the space between the selected object and the at least twoobjects is displayed as positive space that visually indicates theequidistance between the selected object and each of the at least twoobjects. For example, the space between the selected object 108 and theother distributed objects 106 is displayed as the positive space 114that visually indicates the equidistance between the objects. Thepositive space 114 can be indicated visually by filling-in the spacewith a solid color, a line pattern, a graphic, and/or with any othervisual indication of positive space to indicate the spatialrelationships of the distributed objects. At 814, a distance measurementis displayed that numerically indicates the equidistance between theselected object and each of the at least two objects. For example, thedistance measurements 116 are also displayed that numerically indicatethe equidistance between the selected object 108 and each of the otherdistributed objects 106 that the selected object is distributed next toor between.

FIG. 9 illustrates example method(s) 900 of objects alignment anddistribution layout, and is generally described with reference to thelayout algorithm implemented by the computing device as shown in theexample system of FIG. 7. The order in which the method is described isnot intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number orcombination of the method operations can be combined in any order toimplement a method, or an alternate method.

At 902, an object layout interface is displayed that includes objectsdisplayed for selection and manipulation. For example, the tablet device102 (shown in FIGS. 1-7) is a computing device that displays the objectlayout interface 104 of a computer application 710 that is implementedby the computing device, and the object layout interface 104 displaysobjects 402, 404 (FIG. 4) for user selection and manipulation, such asto select and reposition or move a displayed object in the object layoutinterface. Similarly, the object layout interface 104 displays objects502-506 (FIG. 5A), displays objects 518-522 (FIG. 5B), and displaysobjects 534-540 (FIG. 5C) for user selection and manipulation.

At 904, a reposition input is received that repositions a selectedobject in the object layout interface. For example, the layout algorithm716 that is implemented by the tablet device 102 (e.g., as an example ofthe computing device 702) receives the reposition input 406 as a userinput that repositions the selected object 404 in the object layoutinterface. The reposition input 110 can be received as a touch selectionof the object 404 in the object layout interface 104, from an inputdevice (e.g., a mouse or stylus) selection of the object, with keyboardarrow key inputs, or with other types of computer inputs to repositionthe object 404 for display in the layout. Similarly, the repositioninputs 508, 524, and 542 in respective FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C can bereceived as the shown touch selections of the selected objects in theobject layout interface 104.

At 906, an alignment layout of the objects is determined based on thereposition input of the selected object. For example, the layoutalgorithm 716 determines the alignment layout of the objects 402, 404 inthe object layout interface 104 based on the reposition input 406 of theselected object 404. Similarly, the layout algorithm 716 determines thealignment layout of the objects 502, 504, and 506 (FIG. 5A) based on thereposition input 508 of the selected object 504, determines thealignment layout of the objects 518, 520, and 522 (FIG. 5B) based on thereposition input 524 of the selected object 520, and determines thealignment layout of the objects 534, 536, 538, and 540 (FIG. 5C) basedon the reposition input 542 of the selected object 536. Further, thelayout algorithm 716 can determine the alignment layout of a selectedobject group based on a group reposition input of the selected objectgroup.

At 908, the selected object is positioned, based on the determinedalignment layout of the objects, in alignment with the multiple objects,where at least one edge of the selected object is aligned along an axiswith an edge of each of the multiple objects. For example, given theuser reposition input 406 of the selected object 404 (in FIG. 4), thelayout algorithm 716 positions the selected object 404 in alignment withmultiple ones of the objects 402 based on the determined alignmentlayout of the objects 402, 404 in the object layout interface 104.Further, given the user reposition input 508 of the selected object 504(in FIG. 5A), the layout algorithm 716 positions the selected object 504in alignment with the objects 502, 506 in the object layout interface104 based on the determined alignment layout of the objects. Similarly,given the user reposition input 524 of the selected object 520 (in FIG.5B), the layout algorithm 716 positions the selected object 520 inalignment with the objects 518, 522 in the object layout interface 104based on the determined alignment layout of the objects. Similarly,given the user reposition input 542 of the selected object 536 (in FIG.5C), the layout algorithm 716 positions the selected object 536 inalignment with the objects 534, 538, and 540 in the object layoutinterface 104. The selected object 536 is aligned along the horizontalborder edge 544 of the selected object with border edges (e.g., thehorizontal top edges) of the objects 534 and 538. Further, the selectedobject 536 is aligned along the vertical border edge 548 of the selectedobject with the vertical center 550 of the object 540. For a selectedobject group, the layout algorithm 716 aligns the selected object groupwith other non-selected objects based on the determined alignment layoutof the selected object group and the non-selected objects.

At 910, the selected object is moved into the alignment layout with themultiple objects subsequent to the received reposition input, theselected object not moved more than a predefined number of pixels fromthe resultant position of the reposition input. For example, the layoutalgorithm 716 can move the selected object 404 subsequent to thereceived reposition input 406 (e.g., after the user reposition input isreceived), and the layout algorithm may be limited in moving theselected object 404 not more than a predefined number of pixels of theuser interface display subsequent to the received reposition input. Thereposition input 406 that is received as a user selection of the object404 will generally reposition the object so that it is approximatelyaligned and/or distributed with the other displayed objects in theobject layout interface. In the event that the reposition input 406 ofthe selected object 404 as initiated by the user does not exactly alignand/or distribute the objects 402, 404 the layout algorithm can thenfurther move or position the object 404 for accurate alignment and/ordistribution with the other displayed objects 402.

At 912, an alignment indication is displayed for each instance of theselected object being aligned with the edge of each of the multipleobjects, where an alignment indication indicates an alignment of aborder edge of the selected object being aligned with a vertical centeror a horizontal center of one of the multiple objects. For example, thealignment indications 410 are displayed for each instance of objectalignment as an edge line extending along the axis of the at least oneedge of the selected object 404 and the aligned edges 312 of each of themultiple objects. Additionally, the alignment indication for eachinstance of object alignment includes the distance measurements 414 thatnumerically indicate a distance between the selected object 404 and analigned object 402 along the axis of the aligned edges 412 of therespective objects. Alternatively or in addition, an alignmentindication 418 for each instance of object alignment is a center lineextending through the centers of the selected object 404 and the alignedobjects 402. In another example, the alignment indications 546, 552(FIG. 5C) are displayed for each instance of the selected object 536being aligned with the edge or edges of one or more of the otherdisplayed objects 534, 538, and 540, where the center of any of theobjects is also considered as an “edge” for alignment determinations.The alignment indication 552 (e.g., a center line) is displayed as anindication of the border edge 548 of the selected object 536 beingaligned with the vertical center 550 of the displayed object 540.

FIG. 10 illustrates example method(s) 1000 of objects alignment anddistribution layout, and is generally described with reference to thelayout algorithm implemented by the computing device as shown in theexample system of FIG. 7. The order in which the method is described isnot intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number orcombination of the method operations can be combined in any order toimplement a method, or an alternate method.

At 1002, an object layout interface is displayed that includes objectsdisplayed for selection and manipulation. For example, the tablet device102 (shown in FIGS. 1-7) is a computing device that displays the objectlayout interface 104 of a computer application 710 that is implementedby the computing device, and the object layout interface 104 displaysobjects 602, 614 (FIG. 4) for user selection and manipulation, such asto select and reposition or move a displayed object in the object layoutinterface.

At 1004, a reposition input is received that repositions a selectedobject in the object layout interface. For example, the layout algorithm716 that is implemented by the tablet device 102 (e.g., as an example ofthe computing device 702) receives the reposition input 610 as a userinput that repositions the group of selected objects in the verticalcolumn 604 shown displayed in the object layout interface 104. Thereposition input 610 can be received as a touch selection of the objectgroup in the object layout interface 104, from an input device (e.g., amouse or stylus) selection of the object group, with keyboard arrow keysinputs, or with other types of computer inputs to reposition the objectgroup for display in the layout.

At 1006, a distribution layout of the objects is determined based on thereposition input of the selected object. For example, the layoutalgorithm 716 determines the distribution layout of the objects 602 inthe vertical column 604, and positions the column objects at equidistantspacing. At 1008, an alignment layout of the objects is determined basedon the reposition input of the selected object, the alignment layoutdetermined subsequent to the distribution layout of the objects. Forexample, the layout algorithm 716 also determines an alignment layout ofthe objects 602 in the object layout interface 104, where at least oneedge 612 of the middle column object 614 is aligned with edges 616 ofone or more of the other objects 602 (e.g., the objects in a horizontallayout). Additionally, a center of the middle column object 614 isaligned with the vertical and/or horizontal centers of one or more ofthe other objects 602.

At 1010, the selected object is positioned in alignment with themultiple objects based on the determined alignment layout, and theselected object is positioned equidistant between at least two of theobjects based on the determined distribution layout of the objects. Forexample, the layout algorithm 716 positions the group of distributedobjects in the vertical column 604 so that the middle column object 614is distributed and aligned with other ones of the objects in the objectlayout interface 104.

At 1012, an alignment indication is displayed for each instance of theselected object being aligned with the multiple objects. For example,each instance of object alignment includes the distance measurements 620that numerically indicate the distance between two objects along thealigned edges 612, 616 of the respective objects, where the distancemeasurements are shown between the middle column object 614 and theclosest neighboring objects 602 on all sides. Alternatively or inaddition, the alignment indications 622 are displayed as the centerlines for each instance of object alignment extending through centers ofthe respective objects.

At 1014, space between the selected object and the at least two objectsis displayed as positive space that visually indicates the equidistancebetween the selected object and each of the at least two objects. Forexample, the space between the distributed column objects in thevertical column 604 is displayed as positive space 606 that visuallyindicates the equidistance between the objects. The positive space 606can be visually indicated by a filled-in solid color, a line pattern, agraphic, and/or with any other visual indication of positive space thatindicates the spatial relationships of the distributed objects.Additionally, the distance measurements 608 are displayed thatnumerically indicate the equidistance between the distributed columnobjects.

FIG. 11 illustrates example method(s) 1100 of objects alignment anddistribution layout, and is generally described with reference to thelayout algorithm implemented by the computing device as shown in theexample system of FIG. 7. The order in which the method is described isnot intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number orcombination of the method operations can be combined in any order toimplement a method, or an alternate method.

At 1102, a first object layout interface is displayed that includesobjects displayed for selection and manipulation. For example, thetablet device 102 (shown in FIGS. 1-7) is a computing device thatdisplays the object layout interface 104 of a computer application 710that is implemented by the computing device, and the object layoutinterface 104 displays objects 106, 108 for user selection andmanipulation, such as to select and reposition or move a displayedobject in the object layout interface. At 1104, at least a second objectlayout interface is displayed that includes additional objects displayedfor selection and manipulation. For example, a computing device maydisplay a second object layout interface of the computer application 710that also displays additional objects (e.g., different objects thanthose displayed in the first object layout interface 104). As indicated,the first and second object layout interfaces, also referred to as“visual boards”, are generated by the computer application in the samelayout instance, but each have independent objects displayed forselection and manipulation.

At 1106, a reposition input is received that repositions a selectedobject in the first object layout interface. For example, the layoutalgorithm 716 that is implemented by the tablet device 102 (e.g., as anexample of the computing device 702) receives the reposition input 110as a user input that repositions the selected object 108 in the firstobject layout interface 104. The reposition input 110 can be received asa touch selection of the object 108 in the first object layout interface104, from an input device (e.g., a mouse or stylus) selection of theobject, with keyboard arrow key inputs, or with other types of computerinputs to reposition the object 108 for display in the layout.

At 1108, a distribution layout of the objects is determined based on thereposition input of the selected object within the first object layoutinterface only, disregarding distribution with the additional objectsdisplayed in the second object layout interface. For example, the layoutalgorithm 716 determines the distribution layout of the objects 106, 108in the first object layout interface 104 based on the reposition input110 of the selected object 108 disregarding distribution with any of theadditional objects displayed in the second object layout interface(displayed at 1104).

At 1110, an alignment layout of the objects is determined based on thereposition input of the selected object within the first object layoutinterface only, disregarding alignment with the additional objectsdisplayed in the second object layout interface. For example, the layoutalgorithm 716 determines the alignment layout of the objects 106, 108 inthe first object layout interface 104 based on the reposition input 110of the selected object 108 disregarding alignment with any of theadditional objects displayed in the second object layout interface(displayed at 1104).

At 1112, the selected object is positioned equidistant between at leasttwo of the objects or at a distance from a closest one of the objectsbased on the determined distribution layout of the objects in the firstobject layout interface. For example, given the user reposition input110 of the selected object 108, the layout algorithm 716 positions theselected object 108 equidistant between the other two objects 106 basedon the determined distribution layout of the objects 106, 108 in thefirst object layout interface 104, disregarding distribution with any ofthe additional objects displayed in the second object layout interface(displayed at 1104).

At 1114, the selected object is positioned in alignment with themultiple objects based on the determined alignment layout of the objectsin the first object layout interface. For example, given the userreposition input 110 of the selected object 108, the layout algorithm716 positions the selected object 108 in alignment with multiple ones ofthe objects 402 based on the determined alignment layout of the objects106, 108 in the first object layout interface 104 (FIGS. 3A-B),disregarding distribution with any of the additional objects displayedin the second object layout interface (displayed at 1104).

FIG. 12 illustrates an example system 1200 that includes an exampledevice 1202, which can implement embodiments of objects alignment anddistribution layout. The example device 1202 can be implemented as anyof the computing devices and/or services (e.g., server devices)described with reference to the previous FIGS. 1-11, such as any type ofcomputing device, client device, mobile phone, tablet, communication,entertainment, gaming, media playback, and/or other type of device. Forexample, the tablet device 102, the computing device 702, and/or serverdevices of the cloud-based image service 720 may be implemented as theexample device 1202.

The device 1202 includes communication devices 1204 that enable wiredand/or wireless communication of device data 1206, such as object layoutinterface data and computer applications content that is transferredfrom one computing device to another, and/or synched between multiplecomputing devices. The device data can include any type of audio, video,image, and/or graphic data that is generated by applications executingon the device. The communication devices 1204 can also includetransceivers for cellular phone communication and/or for network datacommunication.

The device 1202 also includes input/output (I/O) interfaces 1208, suchas data network interfaces that provide connection and/or communicationlinks between the device, data networks, and other devices. The I/Ointerfaces can be used to couple the device to any type of components,peripherals, and/or accessory devices, such as a digital camera devicethat may be integrated with device 1202. The I/O interfaces also includedata input ports via which any type of data, media content, and/orinputs can be received, such as user inputs to the device, as well asany type of audio, video, and/or image data received from any contentand/or data source.

The device 1202 includes a processing system 1210 that may beimplemented at least partially in hardware, such as with any type ofmicroprocessors, controllers, and the like that process executableinstructions. The processing system can include components of anintegrated circuit, programmable logic device, a logic device formedusing one or more semiconductors, and other implementations in siliconand/or hardware, such as a processor and memory system implemented as asystem-on-chip (SoC). Alternatively or in addition, the device can beimplemented with any one or combination of software, hardware, firmware,or fixed logic circuitry that may be implemented with processing andcontrol circuits. The device 1202 may further include any type of asystem bus or other data and command transfer system that couples thevarious components within the device. A system bus can include any oneor combination of different bus structures and architectures, as well ascontrol and data lines.

The device 1202 also includes computer-readable storage memory 1212,such as data storage devices that can be accessed by a computing device,and that provide persistent storage of data and executable instructions(e.g., software applications, modules, programs, functions, and thelike). The computer-readable storage memory described herein excludespropagating signals. Examples of computer-readable storage memoryinclude volatile memory and non-volatile memory, fixed and removablemedia devices, and any suitable memory device or electronic data storagethat maintains data for computing device access. The computer-readablestorage memory can include various implementations of random accessmemory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, and other types ofstorage memory in various memory device configurations.

The computer-readable storage memory 1212 provides storage of the devicedata 1206 and various device applications 1214, such as an operatingsystem that is maintained as a software application with thecomputer-readable storage memory and executed by the processing system1210. In this example, the device applications also include variouscomputer applications and a layout algorithm 1216 that implementsembodiments of objects alignment and distribution layout, such as whenthe example device 1202 is implemented as the computing device 702 shownin FIG. 7. Examples of the layout algorithm 1216 includes the layoutalgorithm 716 that is implemented by the computing device 702 and/or bythe cloud-based image service 720, as described with reference to FIG.7.

The device 1202 also includes an audio and/or video system 1218 thatgenerates audio data for an audio device 1220 and/or generates displaydata for a display device 1222. The audio device and/or the displaydevice include any devices that process, display, and/or otherwiserender audio, video, display, and/or image data, such as the imagecontent of a digital photo. In implementations, the audio device and/orthe display device are integrated components of the example device 1202.Alternatively, the audio device and/or the display device are external,peripheral components to the example device. In embodiments, at leastpart of the techniques described for objects alignment and distributionlayout may be implemented in a distributed system, such as over a“cloud” 1224 in a platform 1226. The cloud 1224 includes and/or isrepresentative of the platform 1226 for services 1228 and/or resources1230. For example, the services 1228 may include the cloud-based imageservice described with reference to FIG. 7.

The platform 1226 abstracts underlying functionality of hardware, suchas server devices (e.g., included in the services 1228) and/or softwareresources (e.g., included as the resources 1230), and connects theexample device 1202 with other devices, servers, etc. The resources 1230may also include applications and/or data that can be utilized whilecomputer processing is executed on servers that are remote from theexample device 1202. Additionally, the services 1228 and/or theresources 1230 may facilitate subscriber network services, such as overthe Internet, a cellular network, or Wi-Fi network. The platform 1226may also serve to abstract and scale resources to service a demand forthe resources 1230 that are implemented via the platform, such as in aninterconnected device embodiment with functionality distributedthroughout the system 1200. For example, the functionality may beimplemented in part at the example device 1202 as well as via theplatform 1226 that abstracts the functionality of the cloud 1224.

Although embodiments of objects alignment and distribution layout havebeen described in language specific to features and/or methods, theappended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features ormethods described. Rather, the specific features and methods aredisclosed as example implementations of objects alignment anddistribution layout, and other equivalent features and methods areintended to be within the scope of the appended claims. Further, variousdifferent embodiments are described and it is to be appreciated thateach described embodiment can be implemented independently or inconnection with one or more other described embodiments.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of objects alignment anddistribution layout in an object layout interface as implemented in adigital environment performed by a layout module implemented at leastpartially in hardware of a computing device, the method comprising:receiving a reposition input that repositions a selected object in theobject layout interface that includes objects displayed; determining adistribution layout of the objects based on the reposition inputreceived to reposition the selected object in the object layoutinterface; positioning, based on the determined distribution layout ofthe objects, the selected object equidistant between at least two of theobjects, the distance being an equivalent distance of a space betweenthe at least two objects; displaying a first distance measurement thatnumerically indicates the equidistance between the selected object and afirst one of the at least two objects in the object layout interface;and displaying a second distance measurement that numerically indicatesthe equidistance between the selected object and a second one of the atleast two objects in the object layout interface.
 2. The method asrecited in claim 1, further comprising: displaying the space between theselected object and the at least two objects as positive space thatvisually indicates the equidistance between the selected object and theat least two objects.
 3. The method as recited in claim 1, furthercomprising: receiving the reposition input as one or more keyboard arrowkeys inputs; and displaying a distribution indication of the spacebetween the selected object and the at least two objects based on akeyboard arrow key input that positions the selected object theequidistance between the at least two objects.
 4. The method as recitedin claim 1, wherein the positioning includes moving the selected objectthe equidistance between the at least two objects, the selected objectbeing moved subsequent to the movement of the selected object inresponse to the received reposition input.
 5. The method as recited inclaim 4, wherein said moving the selected object not more than apredefined number of pixels subsequent to the received reposition input.6. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising: determining analignment layout of the objects based on the reposition input of theselected object, wherein at least one edge of the selected object isaligned with an edge of at least one of the other objects; and whereinthe alignment layout is determined subsequent to the distributionlayout, the selected object being distributed and then edge-aligned withthe at least one other object.
 7. The method as recited in claim 6,wherein: the edges of an object include vertical edges, a verticalcenter, horizontal edges, and a horizontal center of the object; and theselected object is edge-aligned with the at least one other object basedon any one or more of the edges of the selected object being alignedwith any one or more of the edges of the at least one other object. 8.The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising: receiving a groupreposition input that repositions a selected object group of the objectsdisplayed in the object layout interface; determining the distributionlayout of the selected object group based on the group reposition inputof the selected object group; and positioning, based on the determineddistribution layout of the objects, the selected object groupequidistant between at least two non-selected objects, wherein the spacebetween the selected object group and the at least two non-selectedobjects is displayed as a positive space that visually indicates theequidistance between the selected object group and the at least twonon-selected objects.
 9. The method as recited in claim 1, furthercomprising: displaying an additional object layout interface with theobject layout interface, the additional object layout interfaceincluding additional objects displayed for selection and manipulation;and said determining the distribution layout of the objects based on thereposition input of the selected object within the object layoutinterface only, disregarding distribution with the additional objectsdisplayed in the additional object layout interface.
 10. A method ofobjects alignment and distribution layout in an object layout interfaceas implemented in a digital environment performed by a layout moduleimplemented at least partially in hardware of a computing device, themethod comprising: displaying the object layout interface that includesobjects displayed for selection and manipulation; receiving a repositioninput that repositions a selected object in the object layout interface;determining an alignment layout of the objects based on the repositioninput received to reposition the selected object in the object layoutinterface; and positioning the selected object in alignment with atleast one of the objects based on the determined alignment layout of theobjects, the positioning including moving the selected object into thealignment not more than a predefined number of pixels subsequent to themovement of the selected object in response to the reposition inputbeing received.
 11. The method as recited in claim 10, furthercomprising: displaying an alignment indication for each instance of theselected object being aligned with an edge of each of multiple objects,at least one edge of the selected object being aligned along an axiswith an edge of each of the multiple objects.
 12. The method as recitedin claim 11, wherein: the alignment indication for each instance ofobject alignment is an edge line extending along the axis of the atleast one edge of the selected object and the aligned edge of each ofthe multiple objects; and the method further comprising minimizingdisplay items on the object layout interface by combining overlappingones of the edge lines.
 13. The method as recited in claim 11, whereinthe alignment indication for each instance of object alignment is adistance measurement that numerically indicates a distance between theselected object and each of the multiple objects along the axis of thealigned edges of the respective objects.
 14. The method as recited inclaim 11, wherein: the alignment indication for each instance of objectalignment is an edge line extending along the axis of the at least oneedge of the selected object and the aligned edge of each of the multipleobjects; and the alignment indication including a distance measurementthat numerically indicates a distance between the selected object andeach of the multiple objects along the axis of the aligned edges of therespective objects.
 15. The method as recited in claim 11, wherein: theedges of an object include vertical edges, a vertical center, horizontaledges, and a horizontal center of the object; the border edge of theselected object is one of the vertical edges or one of the horizontaledges of the selected object; and the selected object is edge-alignedwith the multiple objects based on any one or more of the edges of theselected object being aligned with any one or more of the edges of themultiple objects.
 16. The method as recited in claim 10, furthercomprising: receiving the reposition input as one or more keyboard arrowkey inputs; and displaying an alignment indication for each instance ofthe selected object being aligned with multiple objects based on akeyboard arrow key input that positions the selected object into thealignment layout with the multiple objects.
 17. The method as recited inclaim 10, wherein the positioning includes moving the selected objectinto the alignment layout with multiple objects subsequent to thereceived reposition input.
 18. The method as recited in claim 10,further comprising: displaying an additional object layout interfacethat includes with the object layout interface, the additional objectlayout interface including additional objects displayed for selectionand manipulation; and said determining the alignment layout of theobjects based on the reposition input of the selected object within theobject layout interface only, disregarding alignment with the additionalobjects displayed in the additional object layout interface.
 19. Acomputing device implemented for objects alignment and distributionlayout in an object layout interface, the computing device comprising: adisplay device to display the object layout interface that includesobjects displayed for selection and manipulation; a memory and processorsystem to execute a layout algorithm as a computer applicationimplemented to: determine a distribution layout of the objects based ona reposition input received to reposition a selected object in theobject layout interface, the reposition input received as one or morekeyboard arrow key inputs; position, based on the determineddistribution layout of the objects, the selected object equidistantbetween at least two of the objects responsive to the one or morekeyboard arrow key inputs, the distance being an equivalent distance ofa space between the at least two objects; and initiate display of afirst distribution indication that numerically indicates theequidistance of the space between the selected object and a first one ofthe at least two objects and display of a second distribution indicationthat numerically indicates the equidistance of the space between theselected object and a second one of the at least two objects.
 20. Thecomputing device as recited in claim 19, wherein the layout algorithm isfurther implemented to: determine an alignment layout of the objectsbased on the reposition input of the selected object; further positionthe selected object in alignment with multiple ones of the objects basedon the determined alignment layout of the objects, at least one edge ofthe selected object being aligned along an axis with an edge of each ofthe multiple objects; and initiate display of alignment indications foreach instance of the selected object being aligned with the edge of eachof the multiple objects.